Ban on sale of meat violation of fundamental rights: CPI(M)

New Delhi: CPI(M) today condemned the ban on the sale of meat imposed by some BJP-ruled states terming the same as “violation” of fundamental rights and alleged the move of being an integral part of RSS design to force Hindutva values and create communal polarisation.

“The politburo denounces growing instances of violation of constitutional fundamental rights of personal life, freedom and liberty of Indian citizens by enforcing strictures on lifestyle and dietary habits of the people.

“This is an integral part of the RSS design to impose Hindutva values and create communal polarisation,” CPI (M) said in a statement.

The Maharashtra and Rajasthan governments headed by BJP have banned sale and consumption of meat in view of a Jain festival, Paryushan.

In Jammu and Kashmir High Court has ordered ban on sale of beef, triggering angry reactions by locals and organisations like Jamaat-e-Islami and separatist Hurriyat Conference.

The communist outfit demanded the PDP-BJP government in Jammu and Kashmir to contest the order through judicial process, keeping in mind sentiments, habits and traditions of locals.

“While respecting religious sentiments of different sections of people, moral policing cannot be enforced to prescribe lifestyle and dietary habits on the people. The politburo strongly condemns such efforts,” the party added.

In Maharashtra, the ban, imposed since yesterday, will be there for three more days. The Rajasthan Government has put restriction on sale of meat and fish on September 17, 18 and 27.